Dog and baby

Not every dog will warmly welcome a newborn into the family. This depends on the dog, its (lack of) experience with babies until now, on taking preparatory measures and on the supervision of your dog.

If you are expecting a baby and there is already a dog, you can take a number of measures to reduce the risk of accidents.

Make sure your dog masters the following commands;

  • Sit
  • Off
  • Here
  • Loose

The dog must also be able to lie down for a longer period of time on the command 'off' (or 'place').

If your dog has mastered these commands well before your baby is born, he will be used to being sent to his place sometimes and then left unattended for a long time if he has to lie down.

BENCH

You can use a bench as a place to keep your dog. It can be closed off so you can safely turn your attention to something else. It is important that before the baby arrives, you enable your dog to get used to the bench in a positive way. This prevents your dog from making a negative association between the arrival of your baby and the restriction of his freedom (bench training).

In addition to (if necessary) improving the authority you have over the dog, you can think in advance whether there will be things that your dog is allowed to do now and later when the baby is no longer there. You would do well to make these changes well in advance of your baby's birth. For example, if you are used to giving your dog attention throughout the day, gradually reduce this. Even if your dog is allowed to come into the baby's room now, but not when the baby is here.

WHEN THE BABY IS THERE

Once the baby is here, you can teach your dog to see your baby's presence as something positive.

  • Give your dog regular attention at times when your baby is also present
  • Ask your (maternity) visitors not to forget the dog, especially in the case of people who always gave the dog attention before the arrival of the baby
  • Give your dog a treat if he needs to stay in the same place where you are with the baby

BABY ASSOCIATED WITH FUN

In these ways, your dog will enjoy seeing your baby. Your dog makes a positive association between seeing your baby and what he gets:

  • Something tasty
  • Play
  • Attention

POINTS TO CHECK

  • Reward your dog for desired behavior
  • Never leave your dog alone with your baby.
  • Give your dog the most attention when your child is around
  • Always be consistent with your dog, don't allow things that you don't allow at other times